Question / Spain: Taiwan

Q Asked by Scott Mann (North Cornwall)
Asked on: 19 June 2019

Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Spain: Taiwan / 266709

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he has had with his Spanish counterpart on the extradition of 94 Taiwanese citizens to China.

A Answered by: Sir Alan Duncan
Answered on: 26 June 2019

Her Majesty’s Government has not raised this issue with Spain. Spain is party to the European Convention on Human Rights and this is a matter for the Spanish courts. It would not be appropriate for us to comment.

 

Joint Statement concerning the deterioration of democracy and freedom in Hong Kong

As the Co-Chairs of the British-Taiwanese All-Party Parliamentary Group, we have for many years supported Taiwan’s remarkable achievements in human rights, democracy and the rule of law. A beacon for freedom and democracy in Asia, Taiwan enjoys freedom of speech, press, assembly, religion, political participation, the rule of law as well as same-sex marriage, and serves as a model for the social reform and democratic development of neighbouring countries who currently fall short of international standards. We are proud to stand by Taiwan and promote their status as one of Asia’s most vibrant democracies.

However, we are alarmed by the recent events in Hong Kong where over a million people have taken to the streets in protest against the proposed extradition bill, which threatens Hong Kong’s right to freedom and democracy. The repression of democracy, and those living in democratic countries, poses a serious threat not only to Taiwan, but to democracies around the world. We believe that now more than ever, it is imperative for the UK and other likeminded countries to take actions to uphold the democratic values and ideals we share and cherish.

evans    Rogan
Nigel Evans MP                             Lord Rogan 

Posted on 18 June 2019

Statement concerning the deterioration of human rights and religious freedom in China

As the Co-Chairs of the British-Taiwanese All-Party Parliamentary Group, we have for many years supported Taiwan’s remarkable achievements in human rights, democracy and the rule of law. A beacon for freedom and democracy in Asia, Taiwan enjoys freedom of speech, press, assembly, religion, political participation, the rule of law as well as same-sex marriage, and serves as a model for China’s social reform and democratic development.

However, we are alarmed by the rapid and significant deterioration of human rights, political reform, freedom of religion and expression in China. The Chinese authorities have tightened control over citizens by imprisoning millions of Uighurs in labour camps, suppressing religious groups including Muslims, Catholics and Falung Gong followers, and detaining dissidents such as prominent human rights lawyers and religious figures. Hong Kong, where over a million people have recently taken to the streets to protest against the proposed extradition bill, serves as another warning of China’s constant attempt to interfere and suppress freedom and democracy.

China’s aggressive actions toward other countries internationally and increasing repression of its own people domestically pose a serious threat not only to Taiwan and its Asian neighbours, but also other democracies around the world. We believe that now more than ever, it is imperative for the UK and other likeminded countries to take actions to uphold the democratic values and ideals we share and cherish.

Rogan
Lord Rogan   

Posted on 13 June 2019   

Question / Overseas Trade: Taiwan

Q Asked by Lord Rogan
Asked on: 11 June 2019

Department for International Trade
Overseas Trade: Taiwan / HL16280

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with the government of Taiwan about future trade relations between the two nations when the UK leaves the EU.

A Answered by: Viscount Younger of Leckie
Answered on: 18 June 2019
Taiwan is an important trading partner for the UK. Our bilateral trade was £6.6bn in 2018, an increase of 16.4% from 2017. UK exports to Taiwan grew by 40% from £1.96bn to £2.76bn (latest [ONS] data). As we leave the EU, we are committed to strengthening our trade partnership with Taiwan, and across Asia Pacific, including through the annual UK-Taiwan Trade Talks – due to take place in London in October. The Department of International Trade’s Ministers visited Taiwan twice last year, and events like the Taipei Smart Cities Summit and Expo held in March are a crucial way to strengthen relationships in key sectors.

 

Question / Taiwan: World Health Assembly

Q Asked by Lord Blencathra
Asked on: 14 May 2019

Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Taiwan: World Health Assembly / HL15706

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have made to the World Health Organisation about Taiwan being excluded from the World Health Assembly; and what plans they have to provide Taiwan, in its absence, with information from that Assembly.

A Answered by: Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
Answered on: 22 May 2019

Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Department of Health officials have made a number of senior-level representations with like-minded partners about Taiwan’s exclusion from the World Health Assembly and technical meetings of the World Health Organisation. The UK supports Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organisations where statehood is not a prerequisite and where Taiwan can make a valuable contribution, such as global health. In line with our longstanding unofficial relationship, we have a wide range of exchanges with Taiwan, including on global health issues.

Question / China: Taiwan

Q Asked by Andrew Rosindell (Romford)
Asked on: 09 May 2019

Foreign and Commonwealth Office
China: Taiwan / 252583

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what diplomatic steps he is taking to improve relations between China and Taiwan.

A Answered by: Mark Field
Answered on: 16 May 2019

We have a constructive and positive dialogue with China on major global issues, which enables us to have an open and frank discussion on difficult issues. We are clear in our discussions with China that our longstanding policy on Taiwan has not changed: we consider the Taiwan issue one that should be settled by the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait through constructive dialogue. We have made clear our concern at any activity by China and Taiwan that risks destabilising the status quo.

Debate / Lord Mayor’s Show: Taiwan

Asked by Baroness Barker in Lords Chamber on 1 May 2019:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the decision of the Lord Mayor’s Show 2019 to decline an application to participate by the representative office of the government of Taiwan.

Please read the complete debate on these websites: